How to Fix Drafty Home Windows

Stop drafts to save money.

A drafty window is more than just an annoyance. It is also driving up your heating and cooling costs. Even a small draft coming in on a cold day will reduce the temperature in your home and cause you to turn the heat up. Hot days are just as bad since cool air seeps out of the space rather than staying inside to cool the home. Fixing a drafty window is simple and will save you money.

Things You'll Need

• All purpose cleaner
• Cloth
• Putty knife
• Caulk
• Caulking gun
• Popsicle stick
• Lead paint test (optional)

Instructions

1. Locate the area where drafts are entering by moving a lit candle around the edges of windows. It is best to do this on a windy day. When the flame moves or flickers you have found the incoming draft.

2. Clean the window and sill with an all purpose cleaner and a damp cloth. Use a putty knife to scrape off any chipped paint or stuck on dirt. Wipe the window down again to remove any dust or loose paint.

3. Insert a tube of non toxic, water based caulk into a caulking gun. Use sharp scissors to cut the tip of the tube off at a 45-degree angle.

4. Apply a 1/2-inch line of caulk to the area between the window and the frame or wall. Fill any other gaps or cracks, such as areas where the wood is chipped or damaged, with caulk as well.

5. Smooth the caulk so that it is flat with a popsicle stick, putty knife or any other flat object. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Caulk can also be smoothed with the tip of your finger. Wet your finger first to prevent the caulk from sticking to you and dampen it again several times during the process.

• If you have an older home, it is a good idea to test the paint for lead before scraping it off with a putty knife. Lead paint tests are available at most hardware stores.

References

• Mother Nature Network: DIY: Window caulking
• Consumer Energy Center: Caulking